Diontae Johnson makes appearance at Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs after missing last week
Three days after sending a cryptic message on social media, it appears Diontae Johnson is at Pittsburgh Steelers OTAs.
Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper said Johnson is at OTAs with the Steelers, citing pictures and videos. Johnson missed last week after reports and rumors swirled about a new contract. The former Toledo star is getting ready for his fourth season in the NFL and emerged as one of Ben Roethlisberger’s top targets the last few years.
Johnson made his first Pro Bowl last season after putting up some big numbers for Pittsburgh. He hauled in 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns to help the Steelers to a 9-7-1 record to sneak into the playoffs. Their season came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card Round.
But things are going to be different in Pittsburgh this season. Roethlisberger retired after the year and the Steelers brought in Mitch Trubisky as his heir apparent. But they made a bold move during the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting former Pitt star Kenny Pickett as the No. 20 overall pick — making him the only quarterback to go in the first round.
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Diontae Johnson sends cryptic message as he seeks new contract with Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson was not in attendance for the first three days of voluntary OTA’s, and with speculation about him being unhappy with his current contract situation, it’s not likely he shows up for any this offseason. He took to social media Friday night to seemingly air a subtle grievance about the situation.
“Ain say nun… LOL,” he tweeted.
In other words, Johnson wants to keep his mouth closed on the situation for now.
Johnson’s production is key for the Steelers in the post-Roethlisberger era, but sitting out gives him little leverage in terms of his contract situation. While his message is certainly being sent, Johnson is entering the final season of his rookie contract. The deadline for an extension is Sept. 11, and Johnson wants to have his new contract before that date.